Purchasing any books through the links on our Suggested Reading List will help AHA/AS/PDD raise needed funds, while giving you the same Amazon.com service and discounts. Thanks for your continuing support!
We are also pleased to link directly with the Autism Asperger Publishing Company (AAPC) which has an extensive list of books and videos on autism spectrum disorders which you may purchase online.
The books are listed in categories called "Recommended Books". The "Top recommendations" are on the main page. The other categories are linked through the main page and can be clicked on below.
To further help you in your reading, here is a list of some common acronyms used in the literature.
Autistic Spectrum Disorders - ASD
Asperger's Syndrome - AS
High Functioning Autism - HFA
Pervasive Developmental Disorder - PDD
Pervasive Developmental Disorder / Not Otherwise Specified - PDD/NOS
Individualized Education Plan - IEP
Non-verbal learning disability - NLD
The following books are highly recommended by our board. Most of these books are available from our library and may be borrowed by members at our support and educational meetings. If you would like to purchase any of the books through Amazon.com click on the titles.
The goal of better mutual
understanding through self-advocacy generally requires
disclosure about the individual's placement on the
autism spectrum, and involves a degree of risk.
Offering practical ideas and advice backed by the
real-life experiences of the authors, this book
is useful for individuals with all conditions, parents,
and others who work, live, and care about them.
- Stephen Shore
Asperger Syndrome
Ami Klin (Editor), Fred R. Volkmar (Editor), Sara S. Sparrow (Editor)
Amazon.com Price:$57.00
An exploration of a social disorder characterized by ....an inability to form friendships, and intense absorption in special interests. The editors (all of the Yale Child Study Center, Yale U.) present 16 contributions that discuss clinical and research aspects of the issue.
The papers discuss behavioral aspects; the relationship of genetics and neurobiology to the disease; diagnostic constructs; and assessment; treatment, and intervention. (Book News, Inc.)
An overview of the characteristics of HFA with information for academics and social and behavioral supports to enhance success in school and home. Includes a chapter written by parents of children on the spectrum. Note: Cover shown is of an older edition. The edition presently available is in paperback.
"A stunningly accurate portrayal of the challenges adolescents with Asperger Syndrome face in school. Of at least equal importance, this "must-have" resource is jam packed with sensible and easy-to-implement solutions for teachers, aides, parents, and others who will ultimately give these emerging adults the tools they need to navigate through the turbulent middle and high school years...and beyond." Stephen M. Shore Author of Beyond the Wall
Highly recommended. Co-authored by an associate professor of Special Education and a social worker; both with extensive experience in research, practice and education of the High Functioning population, this book offers understanding of the escalation of behavioral outbursts and tantrums and practical solutions and strategies. This is a yet newer edition, in paperback.
A clearly written book by an assistant professor at the Yale Child Study Center and director of the Center for Children with Special Needs in Connecticut. This is a much-needed resource for parents and professionals looking to understand more about Autism Spectrum Disorders from a popular speaker who works closely with our friends in the Connecticut parent group.
This practical manual will enable people diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome and high functioning autism to deepen their self-understanding and appreciate their value as working individuals. Through step-by-step self-assessment, the reader is encouraged to engage actively in a self-paced exploration of their employment history, and ultimately to identify the work best suited to their personal needs, talents and strengths. The workbook contains practical exercises, with clear explanations and examples of how to use them. Asperger Syndrome Employment Workbook will also be an essential guide for professionals, career advisors and vocational counselors as it provides in-depth guidance and research on fulfilling employment for adults and adolescents with Asperger Syndrome and high functioning autism.
This outstanding book is by a practicing clinical psychologist specializing in the field of Asperger's syndrome. He has met and worked with several hundred individuals with this syndrome, ranging widely in age, ability and background. In a well-written, easy to read format he gives a description and analysis of the unusual characteristics of Asperger's syndrome, with strategies to reduce those that are most conspicuous or debilitating.
A general overview presenting diverse opinions on diagnosis and assessment by many leaders in the field of autism including Lorna Wing, Christopher Gillberg and Carol Gray. It contains useful essays including pieces written by people on the spectrum of autism.
A classic text which was the first to present the English translation of Hans Asperger's original paper describing the syndrome which bears his name. Editor Uta Frith includes important contributions by some of the world's leading experts, the "who's who" of autism research.
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Mark Haddon
Amazon.com Price: $16.29
Christopher John Francis Boone knows all the countries of the world and their capitals and every prime number up to 7,057. He relates well to animals but has no understanding of human emotions. He cannot stand to be touched. Although gifted with a superbly logical brain, Christopher is autistic. Sound familiar? Many people on the spectrum, family members and others in their lives feel that this book has touched a chord and is also an enjoyable read.
The National Research Council is a sub-organization of the National Academy of Sciences. This book is an excellent resource for educating children with autism spectrum disorders. The stellar cast of contributing scholars provides useful specific recommendations. The book can also be accessed online at bob.nap.edu/books/0309072697/html/
This expressive and deeply felt memoir explores how the diagnosis of the author's son, Elijah, with Asperger's syndrome/HFA changed her life. Paradiz, an assistant professor of German studies at Bard College, details the subsequent dissolution of her marriage and her own depression, events triggered by the problems of coping with Elijah's needs. She describes their time together at Autreat, a camp for autistics that emphasizes self-advocacy. This is a moving personal story that highlights a new way of thinking about people diagnosed as autistic. "Publishers Weekly"
Valerie Paradiz is the co-founder and director of the School for Autistic Strength Purpose and Independence in Education (ASPIE). She is on the board
of directors of the Global Regional Asperger Syndrome Partnership (GRASP).
This revised edition includes a contribution from Elijah and a new chapter that brings the story up to date: the author successfully sets up a specialist educational unit for Asperger pupils, Elijah experiences his first two years
of school, and the author's dawning recognition of her own Asperger's Syndrome leads to major life changes.
A Parent Comment: "During the first year after my son's diagnosis, I read thirty-four books on autism. Four years later, this one stills ranks among the best in terms of personal accounts & has helped immensely in learning to understand my son, his behavior & how to get through to him so he'll understand me. An excellent account for parents who desire insight on what their children with autism are experiencing."
The authors discuss how nonverbal behavior affects a child's social acceptance and competence. They describe how nonverbal communication is a "language" of its own, and suggest strategies for teaching children the concrete meaning of things such as space and touch, gestures and postures, and facial expressions.
"Chapters covering diagnostic issues, neuropsychological studies, .... are accompanied by discussion of parents' points of view and social and educational issues, as well as personal accounts written by autistic people and parents." Booknews, Inc.
The newest offering by Carol Gray, "Social Stories" help the child with autism or Asperger's Syndrome to understand the social world around them. This book is an updated version of the New Social Story Book, with new text and accompanying illustrations.
"A wonderful book-this volume will be an invaluable guide for parents and teachers." -Fred R. Volkmar, M.D., professor of child psychiatry, psychology, and pediatrics, Yale Child Study Center
Children who have been labeled with words like "difficult", "picky", "oversensitive", "clumsy", "unpredictable" may actually be suffering from Sensory Integration Disorder-a very common but frequently misdiagnosed condition that can manifest itself in excessively high or low activity levels, problems with motor coordination, over-sensitivity or under-sensitivity to sensations and movements, and other symptoms.
The authors cover definitions, diagnosis, causes, and treatments of AS-HFA. Most books on AS-HFA focus only on early intervention and basic skills, but this book offers help for older children and adults as well, making it very valuable.Temple Grandin, Ph.D. says she, "... really likes how this book emphasizes building on the talents and strengths of a person with Asperger Syndrome.
A parent comment: "This is an excellent book for anyone touched by Autism. After my son's diagnosis five years ago, I searched for an easy to read reference guide to help answer my endless questions. This isn't a "my story" book; rather, it is an easy to search guide which allows the reader to hop from topic to topic & find answers."
This book, written by two pediatricians, explains about the toddler whose tantrums scare all the other kids on the playground . . . the three-year-old who ignores all his toys but seems passionately attached to the vacuum cleaner . . . the fourth-grade girl who never gets invited to a birthday party because classmates think she's weird ... the geek who is terrific at math, but is failing every other subject.
AHA/AS/PDD advisory board member Michelle Dunn's eagerly-awaited research results are now accessible to school districts, professionals and families. Using specific lesson plans she shows how concrete social skills can be taught to children with ASDs. They and their peer mentors benefit from improved social skills and learn invaluable lessons about emotional awareness.
"This book is an extraordinary reference for parents and professionals in truly understanding when to use, and how to interpret, the various psychological tests available. Drs. Braaten and Felopulos provide an exceptional service by distilling complex information into a very readable and pragmatic guide." - Timothy E. Willens, MD, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School
Teacher comment: "This is the best book to own if you are working with a child with an Autistic Spectrum Disorder(ASD). The overall philosophy of the book is towards an eclectic approach to ASD. It presents many different ideas from different people, all of which could be added to a program, method, approach for a particular child."
Children and young people with diagnoses such as high-functioning autism, Asperger syndrome, PDD-NOS or non-verbal learning disabilities often have difficulty with "social cognition." This manual offers teaching techniques to help students identify and overcome their weaknesses.
Ph.D. Temple Grandin, a well-known adult on the spectrum, was one of the first people to give us, through her personal writings, an idea of what it is like to live with autism and how she developed coping strategies to deal with her neurological and sensory difficulties. She describes the way her visual mind works and how she first made these connections.
A collection of practical ideas developed from solid experience educating children on the spectrum. Focuses on the children's interests as teaching tools.
Park shows why a "disproportionate share of the science seen by the public is flawed" (because shaky science is more likely to skip past peer review and head straight for the media,) and he gives a good tour of recent highlights in Voodoo. He has a rare ability to poke holes compassionately, without excoriating those taken in by their fondest wishes.
A parent comment: "Outstanding first stop for anyone who suspects his or her child has autism or PDD, or who has just received a diagnosis. Helps you understand the range of different profiles children on this spectrum have and their differences from typically developing children. Balanced discussion of the multiple issues that need to be considered."
AHA/AS/PDD does not endorse or recommend any product or treatment. This site is intended for informational purposes only. Please consult with experienced professionals to determine the most effective treatment for your own child as each child and situation are unique.
